Baked French Toast Casserole

This time of year many of us have family gatherings and often have family and friends who come from out of town and stay with us.  Times like this you want to have a nice meal without spending hours in the kitchen.  Breakfast can sometimes be hectic, everyone wanting something different and working around each other.  It can be difficult to find something that makes everyone happy. 

My family actually agree that this baked french toast is a crowd pleaser.  It is quick and easy to put together the night before, the children can help tear up the bread and whisk the egg mixture, and the adults are able to socialize and get back to other activities quickly.  In the morning it is quickly put in the oven and easily served with fruit, bacon (which can also be cooked in the oven to eliminate all the time and splatter) or anything else that your family would like.

Baked French Toast Casserole

1 Loaf french bread
6 eggs
3/4 Cup heavy cream
1 Cup + 2 T. milk
3/4 Cup sugar
2 T. vanilla extract

Topping:

1/2 Cup flour
1/2 Cup dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 stick cold butter, cut into cubes

Spray 9x13 pan with non-stick spray. Tear bread into large chunks into greased pan.

In a mixing bowl beat eggs with a whisk until slightly frothy. Add heavy cream, milk, sugar and vanilla. Whisk until completely combined. Pour egg mixture over bread, toss bread slightly to distribute evenly, cover pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).

In a bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Add in the cold butter. Using a pastry cutter or forks cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles sand with some larger pieces. Cover or put topping in a zip lock bag and refrigerate until you are ready to bake the casserole.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole. Bake 45-55 minutes until it is golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool 5 minutes before cutting. Serve warm, top with your choice of butter, syrup, powdered sugar or fruit if desired but it is REALLY GOOD on it’s own.


Adapted from Pioneer Woman (love her!)